Sunday, 3 May 2015

Summary Review Of Catholicism And Fundamentalism

By Stella Gay


The attacks on Catholic faith and her doctrines over the years have inspired Keating Karl to make an attempt at explaining the major points of contention. Catholicism and Fundamentalism is a book targeted at Catholics, Protestants and non-Christians who wish to understand the Catholic faith better. It takes a historical, theological and doctrinal perspective.

The approach adopted by this author has seen many weak Catholic faithful affirm their belief. It also has caused Protestants to convert into staunch Catholics because they understand the faith better. It is considered and easy-to-read book with revelations that were previously hidden from the non-Catholics. The author is also the founder of Catholic Answers, an organization dedicated to providing answers about Catholic faith and doctrines.

Major issues addressed in different chapters by this author include information sources that have made Protestants to misunderstand Catholic faith. Karl concludes that failure to get information from the right sources leads to erroneous conclusions. This has driven a wedge between the two groups of Christians.

Keating uses the book to reveal the existence of an anti-Catholicism movement that operates underground in US. This is a group of organizations and individuals with a history and ideological agenda. They are responsible of spreading falsehood about the Roman Catholic Church leading to more division.

The author has delved into the process of engaging in arguments to assist Catholics and parties interested in debate to argue without loosing their cool. The writer insists that the best approach is to give facts for education or enlightenment purposes instead of conversion. The person is likely to convert or understand Roman Catholic doctrines easier through facts as opposed to skewed arguments.

The spread of Anti-Catholic movement in US is central in the work of Keating. The movement is involved in organizing activities and funding events geared towards propaganda and smear campaigns. Karl has listed the history, activities, mission and personalities fueling these organizations. There are political figures, ideological leaders and business personalities behind the movement. Their physical addresses and major activities are also provided.

Papal infallibility remains a doctrinal principle and subject of attack by non-Catholics. The principle implies that since Papacy was handed down by Jesus to Peter and to the eventual holders of the office, the Pope gained immunity to error. This gives him authority to direct doctrinal and moral issues to the global community of Catholics without question.

Other issues addressed by Keating in this book include the meaning of a bible Christian. There is a chapter on the changes that have occurred in the Catholic Church over the years and their implications. Karl further explains the misconception that Catholics are not real Christians. The issue of the Inquisition is comprehensively addressed as well.

The Catholic Church witnessed a period when there were two popes. With the Papacy being a defining institution in the Roman Catholic tradition, Keating felt it necessary to address the issue. The detailed and objective way of handling the controversies surrounding the Roman Catholic faith makes the book a Must-Have for non-Catholics and Catholics interested in understanding their faith.




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